District presents $6 million bond plan to upgrade HVAC, safety and infrastructure

Administration told the board it recommends pursuing a $6,000,000 bond to address a multi‑year facilities wish list and code‑driven safety projects.

Facilities staff itemized priorities including ceiling HVAC unit replacements, replacement of analog fire‑alarm wiring at Clayville (noted as a code‑driven, non‑adjustable item), repaving of parking and drive lanes, a renovated high‑school library, replacement bottle‑filler water fountains and resurfacing the stadium track.

"The bond we're looking for is $6,000,000," the facilities presenter said, and explained that some projects — notably the Clayville fire alarm — must be done to meet current code and cannot be deferred.

A financial adviser described the municipal bond process, noted that issuing under $10,000,000 is typically bank‑qualified (which can lower rates), and outlined timing: lock a rate in a 4–6‑week window and expect funds roughly four weeks later. He estimated the additional burden from a $6 million issue would be roughly $300,000 annually in new debt service when fully implemented and structured over a 20‑year useful life.

Board members probed phasing, contingency allowances for lead times, and the district’s current debt profile. Administration noted some existing equipment and grants could offset costs for initial purchases and that bidding timelines will determine when work can be done to avoid summer‑restrictions on occupied facilities.

Next steps: administration will present timing and a recommended borrowing resolution if the board decides to pursue market issuance; any actual borrowing requires further board action and state debt‑act filing.